1 [intransitive](+ adv./prep.)(of a person or an animal)to move suddenly and with one quick movement in a particular directionsynonymleapHe turned off the alarm and sprang out of bed.Everyone sprang to their feet(= stood up suddenly) when the principal walked in.The cat crouched ready to spring.The attacker sprang out at her from a doorway.(figurative)to spring to somebody’s defence/assistance(= to quickly defend or help somebody)

2 [intransitive](of an object)to move suddenly and violently+ adv./prep.The branch sprang back and hit him in the face.+ adj.She turned the key and the lid sprang open.

surprise

3[transitive]to do something, ask something or say something that somebody is not expectingspring somethingShe sprang a surprise by winning the tournament.spring something on somebodyI'm sorry to spring it on you, but I've been offered another job.

appear suddenly

4[intransitive]+ adv./prep.to appear or come somewhere suddenlyTears sprang to her eyes.He tried to bite back the words that sprang to his lips.

free prisoner

5[transitive]spring somebody(informal)to help a prisoner to escapePlans to spring the hostages have failed.

Word OriginOld Englishspring (noun), springan (verb), of Germanic origin; related to Dutch and Germanspringen. Early use in the senses ‘head of a well’ and ‘rush out in a stream’ gave rise to the figurative use ‘originate’.Extra examplesHe sprang back in alarm.He sprang out of the car.He worked a knife blade into the drawer and it sprang open.Lisa sprang at him and kissed him on both cheeks.She sprang to her feet and ran to answer the doorbell.The drawer sprang open.The lion crouched, ready to spring.The sentry sprang to attention.One of the young police officers sprang to her assistance.The attacker sprang out at him from a doorway.Idioms